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Wenger dismissive of Sanchez’s Chinese whispers

Date published: Friday 16th December 2016 9:23

Arsene Wenger was in no mood to discuss Alexis Sanchez’s Arsenal future as he called for a quick response to 2-1 defeat to Everton.

The Chilean is reportedly in line to become to best-paid player in the world with Chinese side Hebei China Fortune, managed by Manuel Pellegrini who has already spoken about his first failed move for his compatriot, ready to offer £500,000-a-week which is double the amount he is said to be demanding from the Gunners.

Wenger was asked whether there was any truth to those rumours, but he quickly shut down the question with a particularly prickly response.

“If people want to go to China, they go to China. I have completely different worries today ahead of City game,” said Wenger at his latest press conference.

“I think I closed that subject, there is nothing more to add.

“There’s 18 months left, no reason to worry.

“Maybe you need more creativity in newspapers.”

The Frenchman, though, was more happy to discuss the title race now Chelsea have stretched their lead to six points, which could be nine by the time Arsenal face Manchester City on Sunday.

He added: “What is important is that we respond straightaway.

“Maybe we didn’t manage to transform our chances [against Everton].

“Big games against City mean defend well together and not be timid when you get the ball.”

Wenger also revealed that Danny Welbeck is just one week away from returning to full training after a lengthy spell on sidelines and suggested that Kieran Gibbs should stay at Arsenal after being asked whether the club had opened fresh contract talks with the left-back.